By Milton Tella – Nigeria is set to reap the benefits of the bilateral education partnership, which is being pursued, as one of the key priorities of the current Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
His Excellency Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has been engaging the stakeholders in the UK education sector with the view to streamline the UK-Nigeria universities collaborative efforts since the commencement of his administration. Nigerian universities can now increase the level of collaboration with their British counterparts.
African Voice can exclusively report that the UK has prioritised the Nigerian education sector with the aim to spearhead its overseas activity, open international opportunities, develop strong sustainable partnership and help tackle challenges and barriers as stated in the UK Government’s International Education Strategy (2021).
In an official message sent to His Excellency, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government, Professor Sir Steve Smith, the International Education Champion said, “The UK will be involved in building networks and making connections and meeting the needs of overseas Governments.”
He further said, “The UK will work closely with overseas government and officials to deepen government-to-government partnerships, helping to open new international opportunities for the education sector and working to resolve any barriers in priority countries.”
Prof. Steve Smith, the International Education Champion who oversees Her Majesty Government Department for International trade listed the top five (5) countries in education to the UK as India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and Nigeria.
The International Education Champion is proposing a joined-up Nigeria and UK collaborative approach with Universities UK International, British Council, Department for International Trade and Department for Education.
Prof. Steve Smith who has enjoyed a long career in education as the Vice Chancellor of Exeter University for 18 years praised the enthusiasm of the High Commissioner, Ambassador Sarafa Isola towards the Nigerian University sector.
Professor Richard Follett, Associate Vice President (International) & Chair, Universities UK International Africa Network said, “I look forward to strengthening the bonds between UK and Nigerian universities over the coming months and years.
“I was particularly pleased that Nigeria was named the country of honour at this year’s UUKI TNE Conference – it is a fitting testament to the importance we hold Nigeria in the United Kingdom. As you’ ll be aware, Nigeria is one of the UK’s top five priority countries for international education collaboration in the UK Government’s International Education Strategy (2021).”
With the UK now prioritising Nigeria, observers believe stakeholders can expect a more productive relationship between the universities in both countries leading to major collaborations on research partnerships in energy, medicine, business, agriculture and manufacturing.
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